Grandstand sales open at State Fair box office
The DuQuoin State Fair Box Office is now open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays for in-person grandstand tickets for the upcoming Du Quoin State Fair.
Tickets continue to be available on www.ticketmaster.com, which started selling them in December. Fairgoers who purchase grandstand tickets will receive a full refund if COVID-19 prevents the Du Quoin State Fair from being held.
"We are just 65 days away from the start of the Du Quoin State Fair and we can't wait to welcome fairgoers back to the grounds," said Josh Gross, Du Quoin State Fair manager.
"The 2021 grandstand lineup features amazing and diverse acts that we are excited to bring to southern Illinois. We are encouraging everyone to purchase their tickets now that we are open for in-person purchases."
The Du Quoin State Fair runs Aug. 27-Sept. 6. Admission to the fair is free.
The lineup
En Vogue kicks things off on Saturday, Aug. 28. The R&B group has been entertaining with their vocals infused with soul and class for over 30 years. Tickets: Tier 2, $15; Tier 1, $20.
Sunday, Aug. 29 will feature the legendary rockers from Champaign, REO Speedwagon. With hits like "I Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore" and "Keep on Loving You," fans will be in for a night of nostalgia. Accompanied by guests Rob Ickes and the Trey Hensley Duo. Tickets: Tier 2, $25; Tier 1, $35.
Modern country music artist Hardy brings his signature loud-and-rowdy style to Du Quoin on Monday, Aug. 30. The CMA and ACM nominated songwriter will perform his hits "One Beer" and "Rednecker." Local band Murphy 500 will open for Hardy. Tickets: Tier 2, $20; Tier 1, $25.
Grammy-winning recording artist, songwriter, actor and philanthropist Ludacris will perform on the grandstand stage on Tuesday, Aug. 31. Hits including "Stand Up," "Get Back" and "Money Maker," have solidified Ludacris as one of music's best entertainers with more than 20 million albums sold domestically. Opening act is Childish Major. Tickets: Tier 2, $25; Tier 1, $30.
ACM's New Artist of Year Riley Green will take the stage on Wednesday, Sept. 1. Green, known for "There was This Girl" and "I Wish Grandpas Never Died," toured with Brad Paisley before getting his own tour in 2020. Tickets: Tier 2, $20; Tier 1, $25.
JJ Grey and MOFRO will bring the blues to Du Quoin on Thursday, Sept. 2. JJ Grey sings with blue-collared spirit over the bone-deep grooves of his composition. With Brandon "Taz" Niederauer. Tickets: Tier 2, $20; Tier 1, $25.
Eleven-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson is one of the very few people in the history of country music to win two Song of the Year awards from both the CMA and ACMs. Johnson will perform Friday, Sept. 3. With the band Walker County. Tickets: Tier 2, $20; Tier 1, $25.
Saturday, Sept. 4: ARCA Races.
Sunday, Sept. 5: USAC Races.
The final night of the fair, Monday, Sept. 6, serves up some Tater Salad, when Ron White brings his classic storyteller brand of comedy. One of the founding members of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, White will have the audience laughing about daily issues we can all relate to. All tickets: Tier 1, $25.